Dear Alumni, Friends and Supporters,
In 2026, we proudly mark the 20th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute. Over the past two decades, our Institute has been at the forefront of advancing cancer treatment, offering hope and healing to thousands of patients and their families. A prominent symbol of progress that patients ring upon completion of treatment is in our main lobby — Aud’s Chime. You can see this powerful symbol in our 20th anniversary logo represented by the three vertical bars in the numeral 20.
To celebrate this remarkable milestone, we will highlight stories of progress, innovation and resilience that have defined our journey. We will reflect on our achievements, share patient experiences and look ahead to the future of proton therapy and cancer care.
Throughout the year, we are creating many ways to remember, gather and connect, whether in person or virtually. We hope you will join us!
Thank you for being an essential part of our community. Together, we celebrate not only our history, but also the lives we continue to touch and transform.
With gratitude,
Kristin Heath, DBA, MBA, MHA
Executive Director
Progress in Proton Therapy
Human progress has no finish line and at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, we continue to improve cancer treatment for patients through technological innovation and high quality clinical research.
Reducing Side Effects and Increasing Survival for People with Head and Neck Cancer
The proton therapy community made groundbreaking progress in December 2025 when The Lancet published a first-of-its-kind study that shows a rare combination of benefits with both reduced side effects and improved survival for head and neck cancer patients.
Celebrating 20 Years of Progress in Proton Therapy
As we embark on the 20th anniversary of the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, we reflect with pride and gratitude on the transformative advances that have shaped our legacy.
Progress is Personal
We push cancer treatment forward so people can move forward. More than 12,000 people have entrusted us with their cancer treatment. Their stories are their personal experiences of proton therapy.
A Personal Challenge Met with Inner Strength and Teamwork
Drew Rogers is always up for a little friendly competition. An accomplished hockey player and Dragon Boat paddler and coach, he enjoys the challenge and teamwork.
Chime Stories Recall Milestone Moments
We invite you to hear patient alumni as they recall the moment they rang Aud’s Chime upon completion of treatment at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
Interviews
Steven F. Says “Proton Radiation Was a Huge Savior for Me”
Toni R. Says Ringing the Chime Meant She Could Breathe Again
Michael M. Is a Big Believer That Setbacks Can Be Setups
Chris H. Tells People, “Jacksonville Treats You Like a Guest, Not a Patient”
See More Patient Stories & Testimonials
Want to know what it's like to be a patient at the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute?
View Stories
20th Anniversary Events
Featured Events
Save the Date: October 23-25, 2026, A 20th Anniversary Celebration
We are thrilled to welcome friends of the Institute back to Northeast Florida as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary on October 23-25, 2026. This milestone will be commemorated with a three-day anniversary celebration at the Omni Amelia Island Resort, bringing together alumni, families, physicians and staff. Please check back for registration information.
If you are interested in hosting an alumni gathering in your area, or joining a volunteer group for the anniversary, please reach out to Kasey Heilman at Kheilman@floridaproton.org.
For all community events at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, visit our community calendar page.
Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing
Thursday, April 23, 2026 @ 9:30am - 2pm
Location: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
On April 23, 2026, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will host their second Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing. This survivorship event will feature speakers, resources and community support for patients and survivors. Join us for an inspiring day designed to uplift survivors and empower those still on their journey. Hope, healing and community are the heart of survivorship, and we are honored to bring these together. Join us if you are a breast cancer survivor currently undergoing treatment or completed treatment years ago!
For More Info: Contact Tamara at (904) 588-1293 or tsorrye@floridaproton.org.
Western North Carolina Prostate Support Group - Presentation
Tuesday, March 03, 2026 @ 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Location: Online via Zoom or in-person at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC
Join speaker, Christina Mershell, from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, as she meets virtually with the Western NC Prostate Support Group to discuss the role of proton therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. This meeting will be an opportunity to ask all of your questions, find out what this targeted treatment is all about and hear some of the latest proton therapy research. If you are in the Asheville area, we hope you can join the group in-person. Support group website: https://wncprostatesupport.org/.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Cancer Resource Navigation Info Session
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 @ 10AM - 1PM
Location: UF Health Jacksonville, Main Hospital Clinical Center, East Expansion Café, 655 W. 8th St, Jacksonville, FL 32209
If you have been newly diagnosed with cancer, or you are a cancer survivor, we are here to support you. Meet with UF Health experts and community partners to learn more about the resources available to you and your family. Representatives will be available from the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, community resources and other oncology services. Sponsored by UF Health Jacksonville.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Proton Therapy & Prostate Cancer – Presentation for IslandWalk Academy
Monday, April 13, 2026 @ 10AM - 11AM
Location: IslandWalk Academy, Venice, Florida
The UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will join the IslandWalk Academy for an educational presentation discussing the role of proton therapy radiation in the treatment of prostate cancer. Speaker, Christina Mershell, will discuss pencil beam scanning proton therapy and the research on patient outcomes. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with three prostate cancer survivors who were treated with proton therapy. If you are interested in joining us for this presentation, contact us via the info below.
For More Info: Contact Christina at (904) 831-4034 or education@floridaproton.org.
Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing
Thursday, April 23, 2026 @ 9AM - 12:30PM
Location: UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, 2015 N. Jefferson St., Jacksonville, FL 32206
On April 23, 2026, the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute will host their second Thriving After Breast Cancer: A Day of Hope and Healing. This survivorship event will feature speakers, resources and community support for patients and survivors. Join us for an inspiring day designed to uplift survivors and empower those still on their journey. Hope, healing and community are the heart of survivorship, and we are honored to bring these together. Join us if you are a breast cancer survivor currently undergoing treatment or completed treatment years ago!
For More Info: Contact Tamara at (904) 588-1293 or tsorrye@floridaproton.org.
Save the Date: October 2026, a 20<sup>th</sup> Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ Time TBD
We are thrilled to welcome friends of the Institute back to Northeast Florida as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary in October 2026! More details about the celebration event will be shared soon. If you are interested in hosting an alumni gathering in your area, please reach out to Kasey Heilman at Kheilman@floridaproton.org.
People of Proton Therapy
People Make Proton Therapy Possible
We honor the people who have dedicated their careers, expertise and time to move cancer care forward at the UF Health Proton Therapy Institute.
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